Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The effects are immediate, and can potentially be fatal. Foods, insect stings, and medications are the most common anaphylactic reactions. Anaphylaxis is rare, and most people recover from it, however, it’s important to understand potential triggers in order to prevent this allergic reaction from happening to you.

Causes of Anaphylaxis

The causes of anaphylaxis are different depending on age. For children, the most common cause is food. For adults, the most common cause is medication.

Causes of children include:

Nuts

Dairy

Wheat

Fish

Soy

Causes of adults include:

Aspirin

Muscle relaxants

Medications for anti-seizure

Penicillin

Symptoms

Symptoms of anaphylaxis occur within the first few minutes of exposure. Rarely, though, symptoms may not occur until a half hour later from the exposure of an allergen.

Symptoms may include:

Hypotension

Wheezing and breathing, which is caused by a swollen tongue or throat.

A weak and rapid pulse

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Dizziness or fainting

Treatment

An injection of epinephrine should be used in a situation when this anaphylaxis occurs. If you don’t have access to epinephrine, go to an emergency room as soon as possible. The effects of anaphylaxis are fatal if not treated properly. Epinephrine expires after a year, so make sure to update your prescription immediately when the expiration date is near.

How Anaphylaxis Occurs

Your immune system may overreact when you are allergic to a substance by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. These symptoms typically occur in one part of your body, however, some people are susceptible to more than one area. When anaphylaxis occurs, the immune system releases chemicals that make your body go into shock. Your breathing is blocked because your blood pressure drops drastically, as well as your airways swell which causes them to narrow. These effects can have a huge impact on a person and can lead to life-threatening conditions if not addressed immediately.

Dr. Toh is Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine. She has been voted one of New York's Top Doctors for 2018 and is an active board member of the New York Allergy & Asthma Society. Dr. Toh is a Manhattan native who specializes in the management of a wide spectrum of allergic, respiratory and skin disorders in both adults and children, including asthma, hay fever, sinus problems, chronic cough, hives, eczema, as well as drug and food allergies.

Dr. Lighvani is Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology, as well as Internal Medicine. He's been voted one of America’s Top Doctors every year since 2006 and is a recipient of the Compassionate Doctor and Patient's Choice Awards. Dr. Lighvani serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College is actively involved in teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in the field of Allergy and Immunology.

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